Forefront of support

Williamson Inc. will emerge as leading the charge, fully intending to throw its weight of the business community behind the proposed increase.

"Our economic foundation is our school system," CEO Matt Largen said.

"Anytime there is something involving our schools, we plan to be involved. This is important for people who have kids and even more important for those who don't. Their property values are tied to the strength of the economy and the strength of the school system. We hear that time and time again."

Largen said the chamber was in the process of hiring an outside consultant to help make the case to vote in favor of the tax. He said hiring the consultant will help push educating the public about the vote.

"Voter turnout is a challenge in Williamson County, and that’s why it’s so important in this case," Largen said. "That way people know exactly what is it they are voting for."

The Williamson County Association of Realtors said it takes no issue with a sales tax increase, in large part because it believes it spreads a tax more equitably rather than a property tax.

"We are for a sales tax increase if (it) means not isolating an increase to a property tax," WCAR President Matt Daniel said. "The sales tax is pay as you go. It's a fair share. It's not an isolated group of homeowners. With tourism and people coming through the county, money will be generated from them as well."

No political backing

Neither of Williamson County's Republican or Democratic parties find the option favorable, but for starkly different reasons.

"Raising the sales tax is simply a Band-Aid, and a not real solution since it doesn't solve the problem of who pays for growth long term," Deaver said. "Without serious spending cuts, Williamson County residents will continue seeing their taxes go up year after year in the 10 years."

While looking at it from another angle, Williamson County Democrats said a sales tax wasn't the ideal way to add new revenue for the district.

"More than half of our executive committee are parents with children in Williamson County Schools, and we all agree our schools are the gem of the community and one of the prime reasons people move here," Williamson County Democratic Party chairwoman Holly McCall said. "We agree the county needs to fully fund new facilities that are badly needed, but don't feel this tax increase is the best way to do so."